Regarding the future, is there an answer?

For a long time afterward, whether going to school, training, or resting, Hokubu Genkoma kept a heavy object in each pocket.

Naturally, these were the pebbles Yasui Makoto had split with his bare hands.

After being stunned for a while, she incredulously took the two halves of the stone and was even more astonished.

The cut surfaces of the stones were remarkably flat, almost unnaturally so, as if sliced by something incredibly sharp, or perhaps sawn by a chainsaw and then polished.

In that instant, she had no doubt about Yasui Makoto's words: once she learned and mastered all those strange poses, she too would be able to split stones with her bare hands...

No, she would be able to fully master her own strength and run at speeds that would surprise everyone.

With this thought, she grew impatient, eager to know what the subsequent poses were.

However, as if anticipating her thoughts, before she could speak, her trainer gravely emphasized:

"I know you're in a hurry, but please hold on.

"Rushing this won't help. Your aptitude is excellent, perhaps too excellent. To truly master and unleash it will actually take longer than it does for most people.

"What I'm teaching you can indeed help you achieve this faster, but you must follow my plan and progress step by step, otherwise, you could get seriously injured.

"Next is regular training. Go for a run."

To be honest, she still wanted to know what the later training entailed.

But she believed that if there was one thing she was good at, it was listening to elders and seniors.

Although her trainer wasn't many years older than her, he felt as mature as many elders in her family.

He always seemed confident and knowledgeable, and he had come in first place in the assessments.

It was probably best to listen to her trainer.

Sigh... When will I be able to reach the trainer's level...

Unconsciously, Hokubu Genkoma thought of this again, and couldn't help but take out the two halves of the pebble from her pocket to examine them closely.

"...So, for this question, Hokubu Genkoma, you answer."

As if by reflex, Hokubu Genkoma stood up and answered loudly.

"Yes! The answer is Tokai Teio!"

The classroom fell silent for a moment, then faint chuckles could be heard.

On the podium, with his back to the blackboard, the teacher sighed.

"Hokubu Genkoma, I know Emperor-kaicho is your idol, but...

"You can't possibly have that as the answer to everything, can you?

"Also, could you explain to me what you're holding in your hand?"

"Ah...?"

Startled, Hokubu Genkoma realized the two halves of the pebble were still in her hand.

Instinctively, she hid her hands behind her back for a moment, then, blushing and with her head bowed, she honestly extended her hand.

"They're... two stones..."

"Stones..."

The teacher seemed to choke, then shook his head helplessly.

"Don't space out during class, and don't do things unrelated to the lesson.

"You can sit down now. Come to my office after class.

"Alright, everyone, please stop laughing. Now, for the answer to this question... Satono Crown, you answer."

"Yes."

From the front-left of the classroom, a black-haired Uma Musume stood up and replied, "The first Uma Musume to achieve an undefeated Triple Crown in the Shining Star Series was the former student council president and current university department chair, Symboli Rudo-senpai."

"That's correct. It was indeed Symboli Rudo. Please sit down, Satono Crown."

At this moment, Hokubu Genkoma, who had quickly stuffed the stones back into her pocket, finally understood what the teacher had asked and muttered discontentedly.

Tokai-senpai was only one race away from the Kikuka Sho...

"Now, for the next topic... Hmm? Hokubu Genkoma, did you just say something!"

"Yes! N-nothing! Teacher, I didn't say anything just now!"

"Sit down and listen to the lesson properly. Remember to come to my office after class."

In the evening, in the dance hall, after training.

"I heard you were called to the office today for spacing out?"

Yasui Makoto asked casually while calculating on his tablet.

"Ah? Trainer, you... you know...?"

The Hokubu Genkoma, who was doing her cool-down exercises, felt embarrassed.

"W-well... hehe, I just zoned out for a bit and got caught..."

"And if you hadn't been caught, you would have kept zoning out?"

Yasui Makoto looked up with a hint of annoyance and shook his head.

"Academics are also important. You'll find that much of what you learn can be applied in races and training.

"Thinking long-term, no matter what you decide to do after you retire and graduate, you can't neglect your studies.

"And looking at the short term, if you have to retake exams because you failed, I won't be the one begging your homeroom teacher for mercy."

The Academy's curriculum is designed with academics and specialized training separate, and teachers and trainers generally do not interfere with each other's teaching plans.

"It's okay! I usually ask Light Diamond to help me catch up!"

The Hokubu Genkoma patted her chest confidently, then her face fell.

"It's alright with Japanese language, history, and the like, but math is just so difficult... and so are physics and biology...

"Oh, right! Trainer, you seem to be good at math and biology, so why don't you tutor me?"

"In that case, I'd suggest you pay better attention in class."

Yasui Makoto shook his head and said, "Just because I know those subjects doesn't mean I can teach them, and trainer certification doesn't require it."

"Is that so... Then I'll pay attention from now on."

The Hokubu Genkoma nodded obediently.

"Besides, even though math is difficult, my grades... should be okay. I might not be as good as Light Diamond or Crown, but at least I won't fail."

Hearing this, Yasui Makoto nodded as well.

Academic performance doesn't directly affect race results, but mastering certain knowledge can certainly make training twice as effective with half the effort.

Retakes after failing are troublesome, requiring not only the trainer's involvement but also mediation from the student council.

He had only just become the Hokubu Genkoma's Contracted Partner, and the idea of her failing classes before even running her debut race was rather embarrassing.

"That puts my mind at ease. I'll also be keeping an eye on your academic progress."

Adding that with a nod, Yasui Makoto began packing his things to leave.

As before, with a "Trainer, let me help you with your things," the Hokubu Genkoma enthusiastically slung his shoulder bag over her own.

Afterward, they went to the cafeteria for dinner as usual, and after dinner, Yasui Makoto took out his tablet from his backpack.

"I asked you about your future plans before. How is it, have you decided?"

Matters concerning one's career path fall under the trainer's responsibilities.

Only trainers can apply to the Academy and the URA Association to schedule races for their contracted Uma Musume.

However, by convention, unless the Uma Musume herself has no clear aspirations, any trainer will respect her wishes and patiently communicate if opinions differ to jointly determine their future direction.

Yasui Makoto considered himself a rather headstrong person.

In his past life, he didn't need companions and bore the consequences of his actions alone.

For the first few years in this world, he made decisions without consulting his parents.